In Memory of Alex Glass
 Alex Glass was passionate about playing the guitar. From an early age, he poured his heart and soul into studying the instrument, and sharing it with his family and friends.
Music helped Alex channel his genius level intelligence and ADHD (Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder) into energetic self-expression that kept him growing among his friends into a positive, fun-loving, and generous person, appreciated for exactly who he was.
Alex's parents, Colleen and Al believe in living life to the fullest and they gave this awareness to their son. Visual artists, they bestowed encouragement and equipment, empathy and candor, standing behind their son all the way, even suggesting he audition for Julliard. But Alex chose instead to create a life of day-to-day stability by majoring in business and becoming a week-end rocker with a band he loved. His joy continued to grow with the birth of his son, Connor, now five years old and pictured here with his grandmother.
But on September 14, 2009, Alex Glass passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack at the age of thirty-nine. To the end, he was teaching guitar to his little boy and his friends, and blazing a musical trail with his band. His untimely death devastated many hearts and could have shattered his parents' lives entirely. But today they are picking up the pieces and doing all they can to bring Alex's love of music into the future with Guitars in the Classroom. Their inspiration and generosity and the dedication of their friends and family members promises to make music with guitar a reality for thousands of children in Southern Florida!
We will always thank Alex Glass for his zest for life and his passion for making music as it fills schools in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami with the sound of guitar and singing in 2010 and beyond. Thank you so much, Colleen and Al, Bradley and Melanie. Etc.... for sharing your love and your precious resources in Alex's name, memory, and residing spirit. We hope you will take solace and feel joy knowing that together you are making a difference for so many.
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GITC & GrungeKat at the Miami Music Festival
 This December, Florida is the place where Guitars in the Classroom is getting astounding help from many new friends. Thanks to GrungeKat Magazine and go-getter Jessica Padron, Guitars in the Classroom will be participating in the Miami Music Festival! Please be sure to check out the Grunge Kat Magazine booth under Transit Tent 1 where several bands will be performing every night. Grunge Kat Magazine is a South Florida music magazine dedicated to supporting the advancement of local musicians. We hope you can come join the fun - to learn more about GrungeKat, visit their website.
 With perfect timing, Luna Guitars has just come on board as GITC's exciting new sponsor from South Florida. Designer Yvonne de Villiers was gracious enough to donate a Luna Henna Oasis Cedar Acoustic Guitar to be raffled off to festival goers.
"Luna believes that music has the power to open doors and hearts, to inspire, encourage and embolden, and to bring diverse people together
as one. For these reasons and so many more, the idea of guitars being integrated in the classroom is a potent combination with unlimited
potential for good."
- Yvonne de Villiers, Luna Guitars
In addition to the Luna Henna Guitar, GrungeKat will also be raffling a beautiful Greg Bennett Design Avion Electric Guitar to benefit new programs in Florida. GITC would like to sincerely thank Jessica Padron @ Grunge Kat, Miami Music Festival, and Yvonne de Villiers @ Luna Guitars for cultivating this exciting partnership.
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CLICK TO HELP GITC GROW
Chase is giving away $5 million to various charities and needs you to help pick which ones. Simply vote for your favorite nonprofit on Facebook. If you'd like to vote for Guitars in the Classroom, please click on the image above.
Please note: A Facebook account is required to participate.
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NEW AWARD FOR CHICAGO PROGRAM
The Music For Life Alliance facilitates the efforts of individuals and
organizations making music learning accessible to young people who may
not otherwise be able to experience the educational, psychological, and
social benefits of making music. On November 29th, The Music For Life Alliance presented Guitars in the Classroom with $1,000 of support for Chicago area programs.
Jessica Baron & John Wise
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NEW PROGRAM STARTING IN THOUSAND OAKS
GITC is excited to announce a new program starting in January at M.A.T.E.S. Elementary School in Thousand Oaks, California! This course is open for registration for teachers in the Conejo Valley schools and we have 16 spots left as of today! This program is being sponsored by GUITAR CENTER with guitars donated by DAISY ROCK!
The instructor, Janis Vaile, is pictured here with her tribe of teachers at Kester Avenue Elementary in Sherman Oaks, CA where they are continuing their musical study this school year thanks to our friends at Guitar Center. Big thanks to GITC Board Member Dan Smith for his inspirational sharing of GITC's work with our generous funders, and to Andrew and Karen Surmani for their program advocacy!
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Guitars in the Classroom would like to thank California Vintage Guitar & Amp for helping our classroom teachers in Kester set up their guitars. You guys rock!
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